Author Topic: recommended valve adjustments on a 2005 bandit 1200s (Read 4798 times)

rspector · « **on:** September 23, 2005, 07:06:16 PM »

its it really neccesary to adjust the valves at 500 miles? if not whens the best time to adjust them, and if they need to be adjusted at 500 miles should i stop riding it right now and get it done
thanks
oh and i havae about 1500 miles on mine now

fake · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2005, 07:27:14 PM »

some will say yes, some will say no. I'm at 500mi right now, and I'm not going to adjust my valves yet. I'll do it when I get 1500 miles on. My dealer even said it was not necessary at 500/600mi.

ray nielsen · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2005, 10:25:15 PM »

I did my own check at about 600 miles and found them close to specs. I adjusted them to the outer limits (0.006" intake and 0.009" exhaust) at that time. I suspect the first check is important as the engine has bedded in a bit, even in only 600 miles or so.

I checked them again at 7500 and found NO change so decided to wait until about 20,000 miles to recheck. Did that yesterday and they were spot on.

Next check will probably be at about 35,000 based on good results so far.

I like the maximum clearance specified as valves usually impact into the seats with clearance closing up a bit over the long haul.

If you ride your bike in a more sporting mode than I do you should probably check them more often. I think Suzuki recommends every 7500 miles. I"m a touring rider and probably never go over 6500 RPM even when getting up to speed on the freeway.

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2005, 05:52:50 AM »

Many dealers DO blow off the valve check/adjust at the 600 mile service, but IMHO, Ray's reason is exactly why Suzuki tells you it should be done. As the engine breaks in, the valves get tighter (and quieter).

I would especially want to follow the manufacturer's recommendations while you're still under warranty in case you have to rely on it.

The bike isn't likely to self-destruct if you ignore the first one, but it could. If your valves get tight enough to hold one (or more) open, they'll burn. And Suzuki will tell you to pack sand when you want a repair.

If you're gonna blow off a scheduled valve check, do it after the first two. The motor will be pretty stable by then. (After I passed 7500, I do mine every winter, which is ~10K miles.)